A man has been found guilty and may face life imprisonment for fatally shooting his ex-girlfriend multiple times in front of their infant child. Shawn Bolden Jr was convicted by a jury within a remarkably short 35-minute deliberation on charges including malice and felony murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a weapon during a crime in connection with the 2021 death of 29-year-old Deanna Ellison.
Prosecutors revealed that Ellison decided to end the relationship with Bolden after he physically assaulted her on Mother’s Day in 2020 for inviting her mother over for dinner while she was three months pregnant. Despite their separation, they had agreed to co-parent their child upon its birth. However, tragedy struck on May 6, 2021, when neighbors reported gunshots and witnessed a man fleeing from Ellison’s residence in Port Wentworth.
Upon arrival, emergency responders had to forcibly enter the premises and discovered a harrowing scene – Ellison’s lifeless body covered in blood, with their infant child crying on the bed nearby. The medical examiner confirmed that Deanna succumbed to 11 gunshot wounds.
Shortly after the incident, an anonymous 911 call reported Bolden confessing to the murder. Law enforcement issued a statewide alert, leading to Bolden’s apprehension over 100 miles away on I-16 after a high-speed pursuit across two counties. Detectives noted Bolden’s attempts to deceive and manipulate the investigation without showing regard for his son or the victim.
In a statement, District Attorney Shalena Cook Jones expressed the gravity of the crime, emphasizing that Bolden callously shot Deanna repeatedly in front of their infant just days before what would have been her first Mother’s Day. The sentencing is set for January 9, with the prosecution seeking life imprisonment without parole.
Deanna’s obituary honored her vibrant personality, kindness, and positive outlook on life, portraying her as a remarkable individual who brought joy and warmth to those around her.
